Entrance to the Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa, built by the Dutch East India Company, between 1666 and 1679, right on the water's edge for defense. Our Castle resembles a fort, a pentagon in shape and was home to a variety of governor's of the Cape.
Today it is a wonderful museum, rich in history and offers a variety of exhibitions.
Key Ceremony at the Castle of Good Hope
It is worthwhile planning to visit the Castle at 10am or 12pm Monday -Friday, when soldiers display the key ceremony, a small canon firing and free 30 minute guided tours. Note that there are no guided tours or key ceremony on the weekends.
It takes around 45 minutes to guide you around our Castle and there are a couple of photo opportunities.
Perimeter wall of the Castle of Good Hope
On Saturdays, Gerry de Vries, from the Canon Association of South Africa, does a small canon firing, every hour on the hour.
Canon firing every Saturday on the hour by the Canon Association of South Africa
The Canon Association of South Africa relies on donations to continue their work and for every firing a member of the audience is invited to make a donation of R100, and have the opportunity to light the canon.
A volunteer donated R100 to the Canon Association of SA and fired the canon
New bronze statues symbolise the Kings of the Castle
Kings of the Castle
King Cetshwayo of AmaZulu (1826 – 1884)
Doman of Goring-haiqua (1618 – 1663)
King Langalibalele of AmaHlubi (1814 – 1889)
King Sekhukhune (1814 – 1882)
The Castle of Good Hope is open seven days a week from 9am - 4pm Tel 021 787 1260
